The Big Dogs Strut their Stuff

In conjunction with The Big Dog Show, the Downtown Highland Park Alliance presents the Adopt-a-Dog Runway Show on Saturday, July 20 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Join our friends from local animal rescues and shelters as they strut their mutt's on the runway in Port Clinton Square (600 Central Avenue). Patrons will enjoy this fun display of "Man's Best Friend" while also having the opportunity to check out the "Big Dogs" in Downtown Highland Park.

"We are also pleased to be helping our local rescues and shelters in their efforts to make a difference in our community," said Jessica Weglarz, the Executive Director of the Downtown Highland Park Alliance. "With so many of our businesses offering incredible deals and promotions in conjunction with the "Big Dogs" visit, Downtown Highland Park is the premier destination for enjoying the arts, shopping and dining this summer."

In addition to this entertaining special event on Saturday, many local businesses and restaurants will be offering discounts and specials in the "Big Dogs" honor. Weiland Flowers (1781 St. Johns Ave) will be hosting an all-day Dog Flower Fitting for $1, with all proceeds benefit the Puppy Mill Project. Kung Fu Power (1770 First Street) will be holding a Flex Class with Root Dog Training from 1:00pm-2:30pm. Join them for a class in Fitness, Learning, Enrichment & Exercise (FLEX™) for your dog. You must pre-register by calling 847-235-6290 or online at www.rootdogtraining.com. Space is limited to 10 dogs. Jolie Maison (643 Central Ave) will be hosting Pet Photographer Robin Subar. Stop by after the Runaway Show and take fun pictures of your pooch!

Throughout the month of July, North Shore natives and visitors will delight in visiting the "Big Dogs" at numerous locations throughout the Downtown Highland Park area including, Port Clinton Square, Renaissance Place, up and down Central Avenue and in front of City Hall. This one-of-a-kind traveling art exhibit consists of twenty-two, 8 foot high by 10 foot long cor-ten steel "American Dog" sculptures created by award-winning, nationally known artist Dale Rogers. Enjoy the stroll throughout Downtown Highland Park, visit the "Big Dogs" and support a cause that will save our local furry friends.

About

The Downtown Highland Park Alliance is a public-private partnership of the Highland Park CBD Property Owners Association, the City of Highland Park and the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce. The Alliance was founded in 2008 to enhance the economic vitality of Downtown Highland Park. The operations and promotions of the Alliance are funded by a Special Service Area commercial property tax currently authorized through 2013.

Artist Dale Rogers has been working as a full time metal sculptor for over 10 years. His work is originally designed, laser cut, TIG welded and hand finished into large scale 3-dimensional sculptures that combine his love for abstract geometrics with organic lines and a figurative appeal. Because everyone gains from art, Dale wanted to design a large scale exhibit for the public that could tour around the country -- The Big Dog Show was successfully born from this dream.